During a divorce consultation, I am often asked about the family pet(s).  How does the court deal with pets? Do we set up a parenting arrangement?  To date, the Kansas courts have not dealt with the pet as they do with children; the pet is viewed as property, which means that one party gets possession of the pet and if required, the courts value the pet when dividing the property.   The courts do not determine a custody arrangement or parenting schedule, simply, one party gets possession of the animal.  I recently came across a New Jersey case where the courts are viewing the issue of the family pet differently, and the couple has spent approximately $40K in legal fees to determine the custody of the animal.  I do not see the the Kansas courts changing their view on family pets, however, it seems this is an issue that may be very interesting to follow.